Dr. Samuel Márquez Receives Jeffrey T. Laitman Award

By Office of the President | Feb 25, 2025

Congratulations to Samuel Márquez, Ph.D., Professor in the Departments of Cell Biology and Otolaryngology. He was recognized by the Alumni Association of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai for his outstanding contributions to medical education. Dr. Márquez accepted the Jeffrey T. Laitman Award for Achievement in Medical Education in a New York Academy of Medicine celebration ceremony before students, alums, and esteemed medical and other distinguished healthcare leaders.

Dr. Márquez accepted the honor, recognizing his students’ profound impact on his career and recognizing that. as a mentor, their drive, growth, and commitment to the healthcare community define his work’s true significance.

The Mount Sinai Alumni Awards Committee selected Dr. Márquez after several Downstate alums shared compelling testimonials about his impact on their medical education and careers during their general surgery, dermatology, and radiology residencies. They credited his teaching with significantly shaping their understanding of anatomy; their endorsements highlighted his innovative ability to make anatomy engaging and clinically applicable and his commitment to mentorship.

Dr. Márquez has built a strong reputation as an educator, with colleagues at Mount Sinai acknowledging his students’ advanced anatomical knowledge as a testament to his teaching. Former students, including Tony Adar, M.D., a Mohs surgeon at Alabama Dermatology and Rejuvenation Center; Sumit Baral, M.D., a vascular and interventional radiologist; and Brandon Elnekaveh, M.D., a Florida-based plastic and reconstructive surgeon, credit his mentorship with shaping their careers. His hands-on approach, emphasis on research, and commitment to clinical integration have impacted generations of physicians.

Dedicated to mentoring the next generation, Dr. Márquez attended the event with his family and former students, along with one representative from each of the School of Health Professions Allied Health programs—Temilayo Popoola (PT), Bintou Soumaoro (PA), and Jenneca Fevos (OT). He inspires future medical leaders by connecting students with professional recognition and networking opportunities, reinforcing the importance of representation in healthcare.

Dr. Márquez is also the Co-Discipline Director of Anatomy in the College of Medicine, Director of Anatomy in the School of Health Professions, and Director of the Anatomical Donor Program at Downstate. As a functional craniofacial comparative anatomist, he explores the evolution of the nose and paranasal sinuses in humans and other primates. His dedication to teaching and research has earned widespread recognition, including the prestigious Basmajian Award from the American Association for Anatomy in 2009.

Congratulations, Dr. Márquez, on this well-earned honor!